I am pleased to see that so far the frosts have not been too heavy this winter, unlike some previous years. I remember the year before last we had a searing summer. My hardy agapanthus where scorched from the day-after-day 30+ degree sunshine. When autumn finally bought some respite, I am sure I saw the plants heave a sigh of relief.

The trouble was it was an incredibly short autumn and winter then hit with the gusto of a pig at a freshly filled trough. The minus degree morning went on for weeks and I could have walked outside in the early morning and snapped the Aggie’s leaves in two. They were frozen solid.

Thankfully Aggies are a hardy plant and they survived and went on to produce a lovely display in spring, but other, more tender plants, succumb to the battering of the weather extremes. The excessive heat then cold took them off to plant heaven.

I know I am the same. I am not good with extremes or anything in excess. Life is much more pleasant and enjoyable when I have a good measure, rather than an overdose. Too much telly, too much food, too much housework (sorry just had to put that one in there) is not a good thing.

Unlike my plants however, I do have a little more control over the dosage size of things and I will remain ever watchful I don’t overindulge, overdo or under indulge and undo things. The only thing I want to overdose on is Jesus and that is the best thing!God BlessAnnie

The last blog produced some extreme differences. So hopefully this blog will produce a variety of differences. Like us being different, from one extreme to another. Our differences give variety, our extremes produce challenges, our tolerances produce learning and forgiveness.

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Nick

9/7/2013 16:35:31

I like that Penny. We are all different and even have different 'brands' of Christianity but we do have one thing in common. We love Jesus and can rejoice in that.

Ann, extremes in Christianity are not good either. That is where cults come from. Differences can be healthy and keep us on our toes..

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Penelope

11/7/2013 09:20:02

Its midnight and I was driving home from work when I thought about an extreme event.
When it is a frosty cold winter the bulbs in the ground are stressed so that when the spring warmth hit them they burst forth in a wonderful display of colours and vibrancy.
On the other end if the scale the summer fires that sweep through the Australian bush promotes new grass growth, new leaves and even new trees.
In our personal lives we are better people after we experience hardship. When we experience the searing pain of a death or marriage breakup who can we turn to. If we experience the cold shoulder of rejection who is there to comfort us, to take us into the palm if His hand, or to wrap His eagle wings around us, no one else but our Mighty Abba Father. Its in times of hardships that we can press into God who is always there for us.

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Nick

11/7/2013 15:46:34

Very true. James said to consider it pure joy when you encounter trials of many kinds.

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Penelope

14/7/2013 09:25:26

In our gardens are a variety of plants that manage to co-exist happily. Annuals, perennials, succulants, shrubs, bulbs and trees.
The same goes in our homes, with some families living with four generations together. This can create tensions. But as with gardens, which coexist happily if laws, seasons and elements are respected families can make it work if we respect one another, don't overcrowd each other, respect house rules and show love.

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Nick

14/7/2013 16:25:40

Good one Penny. I suppose we could say the same for different denominations and Biblical interpretations and people in our churches. If each others beliefs are respected and we see only their love for Jesus rather than their 'funny' beliefs there would be less disharmony
It is far too easy to see them as just plain wrong and try and correct them all the time instead of allowing God to do his work which has a purpose far beyond.what our limited understanding can perceive.

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penelope

15/7/2013 03:05:18

Good point Nick. Yes we need to be more tolerant. We have one God who loves us no matter where we are on our journey. But we must always be aware that we develope our knowledge of God and therefore our relationship with God through His word. Its religions that put their man made interpretations on His word that can lead to misdirection.

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Nick

15/7/2013 03:26:50

It is funny how you can come across some one who has a different theology and straight away you think, how can they think that way. They have put a man made interpretation onto the Bible to make it say something different to what I believe it says.
The problem is, he is thinking the same way about you, exactly. He thinks that you have added a man made interpretation to your understanding and that is why you have it wrong.
So we end up with two camps both believing that the other is wrong or at the very least mistaken. Neither side will look at the others point of view as to why they believe that way, and dismiss it as saying, well they are just a bit strange so God will sort them out eventually.
That is one reason that the study of theology is a good thing. You can understand everyone's point of view because you have studied it all and can see where they are coming from.
I was at a party once in the Philippines and was introduced to a lady who had a doctorate in theology. I thought that I was in for an interesting discussion but was disappointed because to get a doctorate in theology she had to learn all the different strains and thoughts and was not taught any particular one as being the correct one. Interesting.

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penelope

18/7/2013 15:31:43

I am lying in bed thinking of the great honour given to yesterday. I was asked to burp my new "grandson" after a feed and he became restless and distressed with wind. I got thinking about extremes. A newborn baby, a perfect gift from God, is a very small bundle of extremes. From blissful contentment to raging discomfort. We as adults have to try and work out these extremes so some semblance of balance is in their lives. Thank goodness we have our God who has a path that can direct us through our life's extremes. And that path always leads to peace and serenity if we allow Him to lead us and comfort us. At least we can control our own bodily functions!!!!